Simpsons renewal

Simpsons renewal

January 20, 2003 - The Emmy-winning skeins is produced by 20th Century Fox TV. 

The pact to renew "The Simpsons" through May 2005 means the show -- Sunday night's top-rated skein among adults 18-49 -- will make it through a jaw-dropping 16th full season and roughly 360 episodes, allowing Homer and co. to edge past "The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet" to claim the mantle of longest-running laffer in TV history. 

"Watch out, ‘Gunsmoke,' you're next," quipped "Simpsons" exec producer-showrunner Al Jean. 

Fox Entertainment prexy Gail Berman praised both shows, claiming "The Simpsons" could be "the most extraordinary television show maybe even in the history of the medium. 

"In its 14th season, the show is doing some of its funniest episodes and best numbers," she said, noting the show's recent Golden Globe nom. 

"This show does anything we ask it to do," Berman said, noting the skein's ability to draw an aud in many different timeslots. "And they consistently put out one of the funniest shows on TV." 

20th Century Fox TV prexy Gary Newman credited the renewals to the writing, voice and production teams of each. "It's an exciting day for us," he said. 

"The Simpsons" is from Gracie Films and 20th, with James L. Brooks, creator Matt Groening and Jean exec producers. 

© 2002 Reed Business Information © 2002 Variety, Inc.